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Animal doctors in New York said Jo Jo was brought to them on Sept. 17. They said she was found tied to a tree in Ausable, N.Y., severely injured after being hit by a car.

"It was clear early on that she was a very nice dog who came from circumstances that really no dog should have to live through," said Lindsay Edwards, a vet from Champlain Valley Veterinary Clinic in Plattsburgh.

Through thousands of dollars in donations from the community, Howard operated on the pooch on Thursday. Part of her spine was crushed. Until now, Jo Jo had been scooting around on her front legs.